TradeMalta is in advanced discussions to explore business opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa, northern Britain and Southeast Asia, chief executive Tania Brown told MaltaToday Business. Those regions are an immediate focus for the agency, which is also pursuing opportunities in the Gulf, North Africa and the Americas as it supports Malta-based companies seeking overseas growth.
Brown said the agency’s approach was driven by opportunities rather than a fixed list of industries or destinations. It works with diplomatic representatives and international partners to identify gaps in overseas markets that could suit Maltese businesses. She cautioned against viewing entire regions as uniform markets, stressing that regulations, competition, business practices and customer expectations differ between countries.
A business mission to the United Kingdom in May brought Maltese companies and institutional representatives to Liverpool, Wrexham and Cardiff. According to Brown’s account in MaltaToday Business, the programme initiated discussions in technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and professional services. She presented the visit as part of a longer-term effort to build commercial relationships, rather than reporting completed contracts or export sales.
Malta’s small scale can constrain businesses’ ability to achieve economies of scale, while expansion abroad requires spending, research and familiarity with local rules, Brown said. TradeMalta offers market intelligence, financial support for eligible international promotional activity, trade missions, overseas exhibitions and export training. Brown identified professional services, education and life sciences as increasingly important export activities, but said no single destination offered the best prospects for every company.
The agency helps businesses identify potential partners and prepare relevant meetings before missions. Subsequent negotiations and commercial decisions remain the responsibility of participating companies, Brown said, noting that some relationships require months of development. She encouraged exporters to select markets on the basis of genuine demand and their own competitive strengths.
Separately, applications are open for the fourth Malta International Business Awards, MIBA 2027. Four categories cover smaller exporters, medium and large exporters, emerging exporters, and export innovation and diversification, with category winners also competing for an overall award. Entry is free for eligible Malta-based businesses exporting goods or services, and applications close on 16 November 2026.